Capitol Quotes: August 9, 2013

“(Napolitano) leaving, coupled with a pretty hostile Legislature and a new governor who was fairly amenable to the ideas coming out of the Legislature on environmental issues, has led to some really terrible laws getting passed in Arizona.” — Sandy Bahr, executive director of Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter on President Obama choosing Gov. Janet Napolitano to lead the Department of Homeland Security.

“That (crime) didn’t occur, but the potential is there.” — Rey Valenzuela, assistant director of Maricopa County Elections Department, on a political volunteer who was suspected picking up a ballot from a voter and not turning it in to elections officials.

“Private capital should take a bigger role in the mortgage market. I know that sounds confusing to folks who call me a socialist.” — President Obama, speaking at Desert Vista High School about his plans to dismantle Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

“I am disappointed that the president used his visit as an opportunity to lay out a plan for even more big government programs, while also trying to share credit for Arizona’s housing and economic recovery. That credit belongs to the hardworking people of Arizona.” — Gov. Jan Brewer, in a press statement on Obama’s visit to Arizona.

“Most of what he’s talking about makes sense to me. I’m just rather skeptical on how much can be actually implemented, given the balance of politics.” — Michael Orr, director of the Center for Real Estate Theory and Practice at ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business, on Obama’s housing plan.

“The rate of deportations and the way it has impacted families in Arizona is going to have repercussions for generations to come. We’re talking about over 15,000 children who have been put into CPS custody because of deportations.” — Juanita Molina, executive director of Border Action Network, on the increase in deportations under the Obama administration.